865.85/370: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Norweb)
73. From the Under Secretary. Your 131, April 18, 5 p.m. I am sure you will realize from reading the suggested preliminary text of the resolution that there is nothing whatever in the text of the resolution which would support Dr. Solf’s thesis that the resolution itself indicates or determines the way in which the vessels would be used. I think it would be desirable for you to make clear immediately that insofar as the text of the resolution is concerned, it leaves to every one of the American Governments full liberty of action as to the use of the vessels and that, consequently, any government which, either for reasons of policy or because of its domestic legislation, would desire to use such ships as it might take over solely in inter-American trade is at complete liberty to do so.
[Page 195]Please endeavor to clarify this important point as quickly as possible and telegraph me the results of any further conversations you may have in this regard. [Welles.]